Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

A Bible Institute Proposed

At the nine o'clock business meeting W. C. White spoke of making the most profitable use of the time they would spend together. He suggested that a Bible institute, devoted to giving Bible readings and the investigation of difficult Bible subjects, be held through the meeting. Bible studies prepared in America could be revised and translated into French, German, and Danish-Norwegian and serve as the basis of their work. He suggested also that an English class could be held for those who might wish to attend. 3BIO 300.6

Accordingly, the daily program was adjusted to include a nine o'clock Bible class, which J. G. Matteson conducted. Suggested topics were the second advent of Christ, the millennium, and the return of the Jews—matters of special interest in Europe. Each evening at six-thirty, three Bible reading classes would be held, with S. H. Lane leading out in English, J. Ertzenberger teaching the German class, and A. C. Bourdeau taking the French group. Provision was made for answering questions that could be discussed with profit, and a question box was provided. 3BIO 300.7

So the stage was set for a very profitable council, with daily reports from the various fields of labor, business sessions, and daily periods devoted to the study of the Bible and the English language. 3BIO 301.1